That's how good this show is.

My real first Dead show was Englishtown, NJ in 1977, but I was still just 11 years old, tagging along with my brothers and of course, didn't "get it." It was quite a scene though and to this day, I still love the spectacle of the giant outdoor concert.

Fast-forward five years. A few of my friends were into the Dead, and although I did to Englishtown with my brothers, they were not Deadheads. A few of my HS friends were though and after actively resisting the Grateful Dead for a few years, I got on the bus via the back door during a period of my junior year where I consumed bluegrass music at a high rate and went to the Phila. Folk Festival and smaller local bluegrass festivals.

I listened to Dead Set and American Beauty a billion times and a few tapes, but this MSG show was really my first where I entered with a head full of Grateful Dead.

I have very clear memories of this show though. I remember immediately recognizing the political undertones of "Throwing Stones" and that song really kind of haunted me. I loved that song and felt like I was in on a secret as it matured into to the completely fleshed-out beast it was by the end of 1985 or so.

I remember liking "Spanish Jam." "Truckin'" was cool and I would later come to realize that "Truckin'" at MSG is probably THE quintessential Grateful Dead moment, and one that everyone should have the pleasure to experience. The "Other One" blew me away, but I did not realize that that particular one would go unmatched by any other I would ever hear.

The thing that really blew my mind was "Sugar Magnolia." I simply could not understand how that cute little ditty on "American Beauty" had been rendered as a romping, rollicking, thunder-rock hoe down that nearly blew the fucking roof off of that place! Seriously, THAT was the turning point. THAT was the thing that I chased, and found in other songs for the next thirteen years. I found much, much more of course, along the way but I will never forget that show.

We were in 11th grade, my friend Jeff rode the school bus to my house in Groton, Ct...well we didnt have a car so I told my older brother that we need to borrow his 68 chevelle to go to the local midi mart to get sodas. Well, 3 hours later we were buying 2 tickets on the corner across from MSG from some freak for $10 each...I remember it was drizzling rain...What a show...this Shakedown rocks, the el paso is one of the best, the good times is nice and the duprees could be the best ever. We were on the floor halfway back. I remember being passed a gallon bottle of gallo wine and some big bowl of powerful stuff...only in the 80s right:). The second set is nearly flawless with the smooth scarlet>fire, terrapin...right to the last note. I do recall driving in NYC at 1am and getting home at 4am having to run the last toll plaza out of NYC because we ran out of money. needless to say I didnt drive my brothers car for quite a while after that..but worth it. Get this show...its tremendous.

I would have given my left one to see this concert!

I originally had a cassette tape of this show...Don't tell me these boys ain't got no heart.... by the end of Minglewood, after dancing so hard, our calves were aching...and that was just the start..and Brent was as soulful as he ever was
Ah..the good old days!

the only reason i give this show 4 stars instead of 5 is the muddy sound quality. other than that, the one is a gem. the boys played their hearts out on this one. until i heard this show, i stayed away from alot of 80s dead, and now i cant get enough. thanks david minches!

Yeah I was at this show, I got a friend a ticket but he went to night school. I was like "dude- the Boys dude!"
So anyway he cut class and finally shows in the set break & we get ripped. What a smoker It was LOUD man. Killer Spanish Jam still fresh in my head.
The thing is around this time, Phil was playing a FOUR string bass instead of that guitar thing he usually has. I think that makes a lot of difference especially since he bothered to actually play the opening riff to Other One for once!

This is one of my favorite shows. although I was only 10 months old when it was played, it has all of my favorite songs in the set list. a true gem this show is.